Henry Ruggs, Former NFL WR, Faces Setback in Felony DUI Case
Former NFL Wide Receiver Henry Ruggs III's Felony DUI Case Delayed Due to Hearing Judge Issues
Henry Ruggs III, a former NFL wide receiver, is facing charges of reckless driving and driving under the influence causing death following a fatal car crash in 2021 that resulted in the death of 23-year-old Tina O. Tintor. Ruggs could face up to 50 years in prison if found guilty. However, the case has hit a snag as a Nevada judge has been tasked with determining which justice of the peace should preside over the preliminary hearing.
On Monday, Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Harmony Letizia informed Ruggs and his lawyers that she lacks the authority to decide which judge should handle the hearing. The hearing is required to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial against Ruggs. He has also been charged with gun possession while under the influence of alcohol.
Ruggs' lawyers, David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld, plan to take the matter to Clark County District Court again. A judge initially assigned the case to the Las Vegas DUI specialty court docket, but the presiding judge recused himself as he had mentioned Ruggs' charges during his reelection campaign last year.
Prosecutors plan to present evidence that Ruggs had a blood alcohol level that was twice the legal limit and was driving at 156 mph before the fatal crash. Ruggs, who was the 12th overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft, was in his second year with the Las Vegas Raiders at the time of the incident. The Raiders released him immediately after the incident. Ruggs remains under house arrest as the legal proceedings continue.
